FLORIDA: Majority Of GOP Orange County Commissioners Back Marriage Equality

Via the Orlando Sentinel:

A majority of Orange County commissioners have voiced support for gay marriage after activists questioned the Republican-dominated board about its stance last week before Florida's courts settle the issue. Three of the pro-gay-marriage commissioners are Republicans: Jennifer Thompson, Scott Boyd and Pete Clarke. Democrat Tiffany Moore Russell also strongly endorsed same-sex marriage rights. "I truly believe everybody has a God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Clarke said. "We're there to do right by our citizens." When asked for her stance on the issue, County Mayor Teresa Jacobs issued a statement. Jacobs said she had read the Miami lawsuit challenging Florida's gay-marriage ban and "believe[s] that a very strong case was made." However, Jacobs also reaffirmed she has "no jurisdiction on this issue," and regardless of the court rulings, "I hope that religious institutions will continue to have the freedom to define marriage according to their own doctrines."

GOP Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie also supports equal marriage, saying, "It's the civil rights cause of our generation." 

RELATED: Two Florida county judges struck down the ban this month, but stayed their rulings pending appeal. A ruling in a federal suit that would be applicable statewide is expected at any time.